Clutch noise
 

Hey guys. I've searched and searched. Couldn't find someone who had a similar issue. I tried lubing the slave cylinder rod on the clutch fork, no improvement.

I installed an Exedy OEM clutch kit and a Super Miata lw flywheel about 700 miles ago.

So the car is making a metal on metal squeal when I'm in 1st gear on deceleration when the clutch is engaged. (Pedal up completely). It happens in 2nd too, as the rpms drop below 3k but it's quieter than in 1st gear. It also happens in reverse when I'm slipping the clutch as well as decelerating in reverse.

There is no slippage of the clutch in a higher gear, and no issues with clutch engagement. All feels great. Just sounds like a dying cat when I'm slowing at a stop light or backing into a parking spot lol.

Video for sound: https://youtu.be/WxLfPOH_tZk

Check your PPF bolts and driveshaft. Diff wants to torque the PPF down going forwards, up in reverse - but the rythmic nature of the squeak makes me think the driveshaft is touching.

I'll make sure I check that first. Hopefully can get under it tomorrow.

Has the car made the noise since the install? or is it new?

Mine made a very similar noise plus a very noticeable chatter when I forgot to tighten the PPF to the trans after installing my clutch. The trans was basically shaking a bit and the driveshaft was rubbing on either the PPF or one of the wire looms on the PPF.

Well, the bolts from the ppf to the trans were a little loose. I'm also missing the bolt from the L bracket that mates the back of the trans to the ppf. So I'm off to Lowe's to grab a grade 8 m12x1.5 bolt to toss in there. Didn't see anything else that could be making this noise.

Ppf to diff is tight, driveshaft bolts are tight, and no plugs or sensors near the driveshaft. Fingers crossed this works!
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a92a1a9a63.jpg

Well gents that's exactly what it was. No more noise. Thank you all for the pinpoint guesses. Ace hardware is the only place that sells that bolt. So I'll be sure I keep spares and check it often.

I redloctited and put a locking washer on it. Hopefully doesn't move. Will check again when I install my new fsb this week.

No problem, glad its sorted. And you made it easy by describing what you had done and posting a video of the noise.

I really dislike people who are not descriptive. And didn't want to be that guy.

Well well well. Just when I thought it was figured out, it came right back. Embarrassingly as I drove away from my garage after it seemed to have worked. That'll teach me to 'test drive' and not TEST DRIVE.

Anyways, noise is still there. A new twist I noticed is there's a clicking noise when accelerating under load. Only noticed it when I passed a truck and heard it bouncing off the truck.

Here's a new video of the sound from under the car.
Put it on stands and was able to make it squeak. when not under load it goes away really fast (the rear wheels are off the ground). But it's centered very clearly right where I'm looking with the camera. There is absolutely zero contact anywhere along the driveshaft with anything, no loose bolts that I can see either.

Any ideas? Thanks guys.

Oh and I will be going to a professional mechanic probably later this week and see if he can help me diagnose it if we can't.

If you put the clutch in and out rapidly, does it follow? Wondering if it's clutch fork lubrication. But if you think that you're staring right at the sound - wiggle/twist the U-Joints on the driveshaft, see if there's excessive play. There's a PPF angle to set https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=351758 - but it should already be in the realm. Any chance you're low on gear oil? Low rear brake pads?

I mean, I could be low on gear oil. I'll buy more and flush it. Clutch fork is lubed. The u-joints didn't have a whole lot of play but the front joint had more than the rear.

Just undo the filler plug and check the fluid height with your pinky. But I'm afraid that noise has got me stumped.

Well I have officially fixed it! It was a u-joint or the driveshaft itself. Either way a buddy of mine had one in his garage he let me have so I popped it in and no more noise! And I did a real test drive this time ;)